9/29/11

I was flying home from New York a couple of years ago and was mesmerized by the nighttime cityscapes; the twinkling lights below in arty, geometric patterns. I wondered how those images would look if printed on clothing... and after seeing this amazing collection I have my answer. Van Noten used prints by English photographer James Reeve on silk taffeta peplum skirts and silk sheaths. The designer even ingeniously replicated the images on a coat using colored crystals. Prints of jungle scenes, seascapes and botanical etchings were collaged together on various pieces. One of my favorite looks is a pumpkin-hued trouser with an abbreviated skirt attached worn with a white silk tee and coat emblazoned with unapologetic imagery of Las Vegas.

9/28/11

The collection is reminiscent of the '40s, but expertly modernized as only Raf Simons can do. Gingham and paisley were updated in bright fluros, cuts were precise and ladylike with many a tea-length skirt, both pencil and circle. My favorite look (and quite possibly of all spring 2012 collections thus far) was a 3/4 sleeve intarsia sweater of a bold Picasso print worn over a voluminous ankle length skirt. The finale looks were simple, tailored-to-perfection bridal gowns I would gladly sport on my wedding day. I'm glad that the rumors of Raf exiting Jil to take the reigns at YSL were untrue; what would the house do without his genius?